A 212-nt long RNA structure in the Tobacco necrosis virus-D RNA genome is resistant to Xrn degradation

Plus-strand RNA viruses can accumulate viral RNA degradation products during infections. Some of these decay intermediates are generated by the cytosolic 5′-to-3′ exoribonuclease Xrn1 (mammals and yeast) or Xrn4 (plants) and are formed when the enzyme stalls on substrate RNAs upon encountering inhibitory RNA structures. Many Xrn-generated RNAs correspond to 3′-terminal segments within the 3′-UTR of viral genomes and perform important functions during infections. Here we have investigated a 3′-terminal small viral RNA (svRNA) generated by Xrn during infections with Tobacco necrosis virus-D (family Tombusviridae). Our results indicate that (i) unlike known stalling RNA structures that are compact and modular, the TNV-D structure encompasses the entire 212 nt of the svRNA and is not functionally transposable, (ii) at least two tertiary interactions within the RNA structure are required for effective Xrn blocking and (iii) most of the svRNA generated in infections is derived from viral polymerase-generated subgenomic mRNA1. In vitro and in vivo analyses allowed for inferences on roles for the svRNA. Our findings provide a new and distinct addition to the growing list of Xrn-resistant viral RNAs and stalling structures found associated with different plant and animal RNA viruses.York University Librarie

Reliability-Based Design of Thermal Protection Systems with Support Vector Machines

The primary objective of this work was to develop a computationally efficient and accurate approach to reliability analysis of thermal protection systems using support vector machines. An adaptive sampling approach was introduced informs a iterative support vector machine approximation of the limit state function used for measuring reliability. The proposed sampling approach efficient adds samples along the limit state function until the reliability approximation is converged. This methodology is applied to two samples, mathematical functions to test and demonstrate the applicability. Then, the adaptive sampling-based support vector machine approach is applied to the reliability analysis of a thermal protection system. The results of all three problems highlight the potential capability of the new approach in terms of accuracy and computational saving in determining thermal protection system reliability

Calibration Probe Uncertainty and Validation for the Hypersonic Material Environmental Test System

This paper presents an uncertainty analysis of the stagnation-point calibration probe surface predictions for conditions that span the performance envelope of the Hypersonic Materials Environmental Test System facility located at NASA Langley Research Center. A second-order stochastic expansion was constructed over 47 uncertain parameters to evaluate the sensitivities, identify the most significant uncertain variables, and quantify the uncertainty in the stagnation-point heat flux and pressure predictions of the calibration probe for a low- and high-enthalpy test condition. A sensitivity analysis showed that measurement bias uncertainty is the most significant contributor to the stagnation-point pressure and heat flux variance for the low-enthalpy condition. For the high-enthalpy condition, a paradigm shift in sensitivities revealed the computational fluid dynamics model input uncertainty as the main contributor. A comparison between the prediction and measurement of the stagnation-point conditions under uncertainty showed that there was evidence of statistical disagreement. A validation metric was proposed and applied to the prediction uncertainty to account for the statistical disagreement when compared to the possible stagnation-point heat flux and pressure measurements

Measuring Entangled Qutrits and Their Use for Quantum Bit Commitment

We produce and holographically measure entangled qudits encoded in transverse spatial modes of single photons. With the novel use of a quantum state tomography method that only requires two-state superpositions, we achieve the most complete characterisation of entangled qutrits to date. Ideally, entangled qutrits provide better security than qubits in quantum bit-commitment: we model the sensitivity of this to mixture and show experimentally and theoretically that qutrits with even a small amount of decoherence cannot offer increased security over qubits.Comment: Paper updated to match published version; 5 pages, 4 figures, images have been included at slightly lower quality for the archiv

International TV series distribution on Chinese digital platforms: marketing strategies and audience engagement

The relationship between online media platforms in China and fan groups is a dynamic one when it comes to the distribution of international TV series and other media content, as media platforms incorporate user-generated content to encourage or foster audience engagement. Through a series of case studies, this article investigates how international TV series are acquired, distributed, marketed and curated on Chinese online video platforms. This helps to identify specific strategies and themes used by these platforms to promote international content and engage users. These marketing techniques, however, are not always as successful as expected, suggesting the need for a closer examination of the types of engagement sought by media platforms, and the ways in which Chinese audiences have responded within their cultural context

Phase II Subsurface Archaeological Testing at the Onion Hill Site (12 Mo 1126), Monroe County, Indiana

Abstracts are made available for research purposes. To view the full report, please contact the staff of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology (www.gbl.indiana.edu).At the request of Monroe County Parks and Recreation (MCPR), the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) performed Phase II archaeological testing at site 12 Mo 1126 (the Onion Hill site) in Monroe County, Indiana. The site will be impacted by construction of facilities related to the development of the proposed Flatwoods Park in northwestern Monroe County. The request for subsurface archaeological investigations stemmed from requirements set forth by the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DHPA-IDNR), which in turn resulted from a recommendation made by the GBL after documenting the site during a Phase 1a surface reconnaissance of the proposed park property in the Fall of 1998 (Natt 1998). The primary goals of the investigations at 12 Mo 1126 were: 1) to identify the nature, integrity, and extent of subsurface cultural deposits; 2) to make recommendations concerning whether or not the deposits are eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS); and 3) to make recommendations concerning the preservation of significant archaeological resources or for mitigation of proposed adverse impacts. Additional goals of the investigations at 12 Mo 1126 included gathering basic information about the site's size, age, internal structure, function, and seasonality. Fieldwork at 12 Mo 1126 included intensive augering of the site area, backhoe stripping and trenching, hand excavation of test units and cultural features, and opportunistic surface collection. Excavations at 12 Mo 1126 revealed the presence of intact, subsurface cultural deposits and twelve subsoil anomalies encountered during backhoe excavations. Two of these anomalies were of definite historic origin. Three other anomalies appeared to be prehistoric features, though radiocarbon assays suggest a more recent (i.e. historic) origin. The sub-plowzone natural/cultural stratum encountered both in test units and a backhoe trench appears to be limited to the central portion of the site. This zone produced lithic artifacts (chipped stone debitage and tools) to a depth of approximately 90 cm below surface in one test unit. Lithic diagnostics recovered from 12 Mo 1126 indicate the presence of an Early Archaic (i.e. Kirk) component. The natural/cultural stratum is hypothesized to be in association with this component. Site 12 Mo 1126 is recommended to be significant and eligible for inclusion on the NRHP and IRHSS. The lithic assemblage suggests that early stage lithic reduction was a primary activity on 12 Mo 1126. Artifacts recovered during testing of 12 Mo 1126 suggest an Early Archaic occupation of the site in association with the presence of a sub-plowzone natural/cultural stratum. While the excavation of several subsoil anomalies suggested that intact cultural features are also present, radiocarbon assays indicate that these anomalies are not related to the Early Archaic component of the site. In total, an area of approximately 300 m2 contains intact deposits recommended for data recovery investigations. This area is recommended for avoidance. If avoidance is not feasible, Phase III archaeological data recovery should be undertaken on this portion of 12 Mo 1126

An Archaeological Reconnaissance of Approximately 76 Acres Proposed for Development in Switzerland County, Indiana

Abstracts are made available for research purposes. To view the full report, please contact the staff of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology (www.gbl.indiana.edu).At the request of Johnson, Smith, Pence, Densbom, Wright, and Heath Attorneys at Law (JSP) of Indianapolis and Pinnacle Gaming of Verdi, Nevada, the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL), conducted a Phase IA surface archaeological reconnaissance of approximately 76 acres proposed for development in Switzerland County, Indiana. The land within the study area will be developed as a portion of a golf course associated with a proposed hotel and river boat gambling casino. The purpose of the reconnaissance was to locate any archaeological resources within the proposed development area and to assess the potential of those resources for inclusion on the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS) and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The archaeological reconnaissance (field survey) of the area proposed for development was conducted between April 15 and April 28, 1999 by GBL archaeologists Andrew A. White, Amanda S. Roth, Craig D. Byron, and Lee T. Fennimore. The boundaries of two previously recorded sites (12 Sw 345 and 12 Sw 349) were expanded to include portions of the sites that extend into the area surveyed during the present reconnaissance. Two of the previously undocumented sites (12 Sw 387 and 395) are of historic period Euroamerican origin; eight are of primarily prehistoric origin. The assemblages from several of the prehistoric sites also contain isolated historic artifacts. These isolated artifacts ( clear bottle glass, whiteware, etc.) are not associated with any structural remains or any notable scatter of historic artifacts, and are not considered archaeological sites. Of the 10 prehistoric sites examined during the reconnaissance, seven are small and/or extremely sparse scatters that are unlikely to contain intact subsurface deposits. No further archaeological investigations are recommended for these seven sites. The remaining three prehistoric sites (12 Sw 345, 349, and 394) have the potential to provide significant information relevant to the study oflocal, state, and regional prehistory. Avoidance is recommended for sites 12 Sw 345, 349, and 394. Though these three sites are in areas that will be developed as a golf course, it is the GBL's understanding that these three sites will not be adversely affected by golf course construction. Should plans change so that 12 Sw 345, 349, and 394 will suffer impacts, these sites should undergo Phase II archaeological testing prior to earth-moving

Management of Lisfranc Injuries:A Critical Analysis Review

»: There is a spectrum of midtarsal injuries, ranging from mild midfoot sprains to complex Lisfranc fracture-dislocations.»: Use of appropriate imaging can reduce patient morbidity, by reducing the number of missed diagnoses and, conversely, avoiding overtreatment. Weight-bearing radiographs are of great value when investigating the so-called subtle Lisfranc injury.»: Regardless of the operative strategy, anatomical reduction and stable fixation is a prerequisite for a satisfactory outcome in the management of displaced injuries.»: Fixation device removal is less frequently reported after primary arthrodesis compared with open reduction and internal fixation based on 6 published meta-analyses. However, the indications for further surgery are often unclear, and the evidence of the included studies is of typically low quality. Further high-quality prospective randomized trials with robust cost-effectiveness analyses are required in this area.»: We have proposed an investigation and treatment algorithm based on the current literature and clinical experience of our trauma center.</p

Electro-kinetic technology as a low-cost method for dewatering food by-product

Increasing volumes of food waste, intense environmental awareness, and stringent legislation have imposed increased demands upon conventional food waste management. Food byproducts that were once considered to be without value are now being utilized as reusable materials, fuels, and energy in order to reduce waste. One major barrier to the valorization of food by-products is their high moisture content. This has brought about the necessity of dewatering food waste for any potential re-use for certain disposal options. A laboratory system for experimentally characterizing electro-kinetic dewatering of food by-products was evaluated. The bench scale system, which is an augmented filter press, was used to investigate the dewatering at constant voltage. Five food by-products (brewer’s spent grain, cauliflower trimmings, mango peel, orange peel, and melon peel) were studied. The results indicated that electro-kinetic dewatering combined with mechanical dewatering can reduce the percentage of moisture from 78% to 71% for brewer’s spent grain, from 77% to 68% for orange peel, from 80% to 73% for mango peel, from 91% to 74% for melon peel, and from 92% to 80% for cauliflower trimmings. The total moisture reduction showed a correlation with electrical conductivity (R2¼0.89). The energy consumption of every sample was evaluated and was found to be up to 60 times more economical compared to thermal processing